“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”― Maya Angelo

Thoughts from my creative, scattered (sometimes pervy) mind.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Fiinding Motivation.

For a new writer, I find it hard to stay motivated. I run a small business and have a young family so my time is always stretched thin. Writing usually takes a back seat to everyday life. But if you have a story that you need to write...you have to find the time.

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So when asked how I do it, my response is always the same. I schedule time, like I would for a doctors appointment or a kids activity, and guard it. It's my time and, outside of emergencies, I don't give it up. I find the golden time for writing in my house is between 9 and 11 pm. My kiddos are in bed, the dishes have been done and the house is quite. I'll usually throw a load of laundry in and fire up the old lap top.

I also use wasted time to my best advantage. I've been known to write while my son's at Tae Kwon Do. I eat lunch at my lap top. I have even been know to write at the kitchen counter while trying to cook (not recommended...it leads to crappy writing and burnt food).

Another great thing I've done is join a writers group. Mine is online, but I have a small group of people who are following my work. I feel obligated to produce something for them to read. So I move forward. Ira Glass from This American Life had the best advice. "Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story." So my main motivation is one chapter a week at the very least.

So do I write 3,000 words in a setting. NO. I'm averaging about 900. But I'm moving forward. Until the publishing fairy drops off a big check and I can hire someone to do my job...I'm still punching the 9 to 5 clock.

1 comment:

I think time is a premium for anyone with a young family. When I am working on my first draft, my goal is about 500 words/day. But during editing, it’s only about 3-4 scenes a week. I write in increments of 10-15 minute blocks every day between setting the toddler up for coloring or play doh after I get home from work. I really regret not writing in my twenties, but then I didn’t have the life experience or the depth of emotion to draw from. I think the busier you are, the more you realize what’s important. If writing is important, then you’ll make the effort. And sometimes it’s okay to just live life first. I think writing is lifelong habit. It’s okay to hit the pause button when things get chaotic.